Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Half Way Around the World Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/06/2013 to 05/03/2013 with

CET Beijing

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. Greater world perspective. I can now eat spicy food

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very intense, but the work was not hard. There was just a lot of it. Only one subject, obviously. In the begining I would say 5 stars, but then you get used to it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

A ton of passport issues, but other than that, no problems

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Like freshman style dorms. The bathrooms were interesting (read not that clean) but definitely manageable. The rooms were big.

* Food:

Cafeteria food was iffy. Good at first but the same thing every day drags.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My Chinese roommate really helped.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I can't say, i didn't get seriously sick.

* Safety:

It's a major city, use common senese.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Stuff is cheap, food is dirt cheap. As long as you don't go out drinking every weekend, it's not hard at all.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $15

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We could only speak Chinese.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 105a
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just talk. As much as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • chinese roommates
* What could be improved?
  • language pledge
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I had talked to someone about the program before going.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!